The Blackhawks took pride in bringing the city together during their quest for the Cup, cutting across demographics and eventually partying with 2 million Chicagoans at their championship rally. They also took pride in sparking a revival for hockey in the Windy City, and grassroots organizations like the CGHA are essential to the expansion of the fan base and the growth of the sport.

"When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should," said Sopel. "We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from."

In that spirit of tolerance, there could be some calculated image rehab for the Blackhawks here as well.

"For the 'Hawks, there might have been a little bit of motivation [for image rehab]. We actually invited them before that story broke," said CGHA president Andrew Sobotka.

The Sun-Times, which broke the parade story Tuesday morning, reports that Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough made a special arrangement for the Cup to be flown back from Los Angeles, site of the NHL draft, 15 hours earlier than anticipated so it can appear in the Pride Parade. "It's important for the city and important for the franchise," he told the paper.

(Please note that McDonough's former employer, the Chicago Cubs, will also break a barrier by having a float in the parade for the first time. Peer pressure? "It definitely helped," said Sobotka. "Having the Cubs there may have opened the 'Hawks eyes a little bit.")

Sobotka said last week that his organization, founded in 2002 and about 40 players strong, hoped for a player and the Cup at the parade but was "humble enough to take what we can get." What they got was what they asked for: One of Chicago's hockey heroes and hockey's Holy Grail, marching (or rollerblading) alongside the Chicago Gay Hockey Association.

And really: Isn't a gay Pride Parade an obvious venue for professional sports' most ostentatious trophy? Especially, considering the parade's legacy, as a beverage container?